Page 22 - Cadet Review Spring 2022

HSY ACF
CADET CENTRE FOR ADVENTURE TRAINING (CCAT) ADVENTURE
By SI Donna Nixon
As the saying goes, “Lead from the front”, and that’s what I decided to do by attending the CCAT Course recently. With the new syllabus coming into play and adventure training (AT) being a key part of that I thought I would jump in feet first and gain a qualification to help me assist and take cadets further their own AT journey.
Over the weekend of 17 – 22 October, I joined likeminded individuals from around the UK on the CCAT Inland Kayak K2 Course in the Lake District. Despite being a wet and grey day Lake Windermere looked gorgeous from the water. What a great experience learning a new skill in such beautiful surroundings.
I have enjoyed other courses such as Paddle boarding, and wanted to further develop my skill set, so I could bring more to the County and help the County AT Officer deliver sessions to our cadets and adult volunteers.
Getting on the water here was easy, with loads of advice from our tutors of how to kit out the boat, how to manage your first strokes and how to perform water rescues. It was great experience exploring the lakes from the water, seeing things you don’t see if you’re on land, meeting people as you paddle along the side of the waterside footpaths or even stopping to chat to canoeists also using the lake.
I can honestly say, taking part in the CCAT courses is a great way to challenge yourself, or develop your passion for adventure. It doesn’t have to paddle sports, they do all sorts such as mountain scrambling, biking, rock climbing, hiking to name a few, which are open to both cadets and adult volunteers.
If you want to know more about CCAT courses, visit their website www.armycadetadventure.co.uk for more information.
Cadet RSM appointed by
Deputy Commandant – a
father and son act!
An historic event took place in the Autumn when the new County Cadet RSM was appointed by his father. Cadet CSM Riley Britchford was presented with his new badge of rank and appointment by his proud father, Lieutenant Colonel Jason Britchford.
Cadet CSM Britchford officially joined the county on the 3rd of October 2016 at Wenlock Detachment in B Company, although
his connection with B Company goes back many years as he was regularly seen marching alongside B Company on events such as Remembrance Parades and demonstrating a keen interest in ACF training from a very young age, having been a regular attender at the County Training Centre for many years.
He used his enthusiasm and keenness to progress through the APC at a rapid pace completing his basic training in 2 months, one star in 6 months, two star in 7 months, 3 star in 9 months and 4 star in 7 months. Other training successes include passing the Bronze Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award, completing First Aid at Work, ILMS Level 2 award for young leaders and most recently passing the Senior Cadet Instructors Cadre.
CSM Britchford has pushed himself forward for additional training events such as Exercise Black Rat, County shooting events, senior cadet training and has also participated in the senior cadet conferences to have his voice heard in terms of the cadet experience within the county.
He has matured into a well-liked member of his Company and County; and has been a great asset to both his detachment and the company during the suspension of training by being available and present during virtual training and being a voice for the cadets during planning meetings. CSM Britchford stepped forward and took the lead at a time when other more senior cadets stepped back, demonstrating true commitment, loyalty and resilience.
He communicates well with the adult volunteer community to ensure that the cadet experience is delivered, and our junior cadets’ thoughts and opinions are listened to; and has steadily developed into a sensible and reliable senior cadet during his 5 years with the ACF and now uses his experiences and knowledge to effectively mentor and coach junior NCOs into becoming valuable role models as senior cadets.
22 CADET REVIEW SPRING 2022